House-hunting checklist: What to take note of before you buy

When looking to buy a home, it's good to take notes. By capturing details on a property's condition and what you thought about it, you will be able to quickly recall what you liked and didn't like, helping you to narrow your search and make a final decision.

By now you should have your must-have and wish lists written out and shared with your real estate agent. These lists are your guide to grading a home. You may find several homes beautiful, and you might like the staging and style, but what matters most is if the home meets your needs.

Take your list and make a rubric to grade homes. Rank the must-haves in order of importance and then list the wish list below.

• At least three bedrooms
• At least two full bathrooms
• Two-car parking space
• Space for home office
• Open-concept living room
• Modern kitchen
• Fenced-in yard

After a visit, check off what the home had on your list and make note of any additional things you liked and didn't like.

During open houses or showings, it might feel invasive to look behind the curtains, but it's alright to poke around a bit. You don't want to be distracted by nice staging because that doesn't come with the house.

Instead, look at the walls and see if there are cracks. Look at the bathroom and search for rust on the fixtures. Inspect the windows and see if there is any draft coming in. Ask questions and be curious about the home's history.

• Visible cracks in walls or foundation: Hairline cracks are often cosmetic, but wide or stair-step cracks can indicate serious foundation problems. Check around windows, doors and basement walls for movement or gaps.
• Floors that are uneven: Could signal settling, foundation issues or water damage. Walk through each room and notice if doors swing open or closed on their own.
• Signs of pests: Traps, droppings or holes. Look under sinks, in basements, attics and behind appliances. Check for termite tubes along foundation walls and wood framing.
• Water damage: Discolored ceilings or walls. Brown stains often indicate past leaks. Check around windows, bathrooms and under sinks for bubbling paint or warped drywall. Musty smell can signal hidden mold.
• Windows: Type and condition? Double-pane windows improve energy efficiency. Check for broken seals, fogging between panes, drafts or rot in wooden frames. Test all windows for smooth opening and closing.
• Heating and cooling: Working heating and cooling system? Ask about age (10 to 15 years typical lifespan) and maintenance records. Look for rust or leaks around the furnace and air conditioning unit.
• Plumbing: Water heater age? Usually lasts eight to 12 years. Check for rust, leaks or corrosion. Look for signs of leaks under sinks and in the basement.
• Kitchen appliances: Age and condition? Check energy ratings and functionality. Inspect for rust, dents or worn seals. Test stove burners, oven, dishwasher and refrigerator.
• Roof condition: Missing shingles can lead to leaks and costly repairs. Sagging or moss growth could signal structural issues or water damage in the roof decking.
• Attic and basement: Adequate insulation reduces energy costs. Look for gaps or compressed insulation. Proper airflow prevents mold and moisture buildup.
• Electrical panel: They should be up to code with circuit breakers, enough capacity for modern appliances with a minimum of 100 amps. Standard is 200 amps.
• Drainage and grading: Water should flow away from the foundation. Look at the gutters and downspouts to see if they are working and aimed away from the house. Look for puddles near the foundation.
• Exterior siding and paint: Look for peeling, cracks or rot.

Once you have determined if the home could be a good fit and that it is visibly in good condition, then you need to explore the street a bit more.

Do research online and check out Homes.com neighborhood profiles but when seeing a home investigate the area yourself. If there is something wrong with the location, then you will want to know before making an offer.

• Noise: Listen during the showing for cars and animals. Noise is hard to control, so if quiet is important to you, then take note of what you hear.
• Walkability: If you are someone who enjoys walking or you take your dog on walks, then look for sidewalks and other paths. Also take note of biking paths or safety. Look to see if you will be able to walk to any stores or parks.
• Busy street: If the home is on a main road, there might be a lot of traffic and cars.
• Kids: If you have school-aged children, look to see how far their bus stop would be and how safe it is for them to walk there. See if there are other kids playing in yards or riding bikes.
• Parking: Are there driveways or will you need to street park? If so, what are the costs for permits and availability for parking on the street?
• Future development: Ask agents about any construction or development in the area.
• Neighborhood vibe: Try to gauge how friendly the neighborhood is and what the community vibe is.